Marilyn's story

Challenges of catheterisation

The biggest challenge faced in our department is getting patients to adhere to the catheterisation process. Poor adherence can lead to repeat visits, and the cycle of patients coming in and out can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life, as well as a larger impact on the healthcare system. Many patients find the use of catheters overwhelming and associate it with being unwell, which serves as a constant reminder of their condition and wellbeing.

Teaching patients ISC effectively can help avoid emergency admissions and recurrence. In my experience, patients of all ages and lifestyles use ISC. Those who are physically and/or sexually active especially can be concerned about the design of the product and may worry about the catheter bag being noticeable or inconvenient to carry. Therefore, discreet and compact packaging is crucial to improve adherence and reduce patient concerns. Patients tend to prefer packaging that easily fits into pockets or handbags and looks unobtrusive.

Referring my patients to Amcare by Convatec

We use several delivery companies, including Amcare for Convatec products. This ensures that the patient receives the product directly from the supplier and on time, avoiding the risk of using a generic company that may not have sufficient stock. It can be overwhelming for patients to deal with a company that cannot provide the correct product or size or even be reached for contact. When we prescribe a product, size or type, we prefer that the patient receives exactly what was recommended, without any third-party interference. This helps improve compliance and adherence, as the patient is more likely to follow through with the product they chose in clinic. At times, using Amcare makes the process easier for both parties involved. Our experience using Amcare has been excellent. We have not encountered any issues or problems, and the process has been seamless. Patients have not reported any difficulties in contacting someone or receiving their products on time. It has been a hassle-free experience for both us and our patients. Registering patients with Amcare is a simple and straightforward process that does not take up too much of our time. We are satisfied with the service provided by Amcare, and the patient’s positive feedback reflects the same sentiment.